The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as enshrined in Articles 152, 153, and 154 of its Constitution, is a distinctive framework built on the foundational principles of anti-hegemony, independence, and support for the oppressed. The Constitution explicitly rejects all forms of domination, forbids foreign control over Iran’s resources and national life, and positions the country as a supporter of “just struggles” worldwide. Examining these articles offers a clear window into the ideological drivers of Iran’s statecraft and the practical lessons it offers to other nations.
The Constitutional Blueprint: Articles 152, 153, and 154
The core principles governing Iran’s foreign relations are directly outlined in Chapter X of the Constitution:
Article 152: This article serves as the cornerstone, establishing that Iran’s foreign policy is based on the “rejection of all forms of domination, both the exertion of it and submission to it.” It commits Iran to safeguarding its independence and territorial integrity, defending the rights of all Muslims, and practicing non-alignment with hegemonic superpowers.
Article 153: To operationalize the rejection of domination, Article 153 provides a concrete prohibition: any agreement that leads to foreign control over Iran’s natural resources, economy, army, culture, or other aspects of national life is forbidden.
Article 154: This article expands Iran’s vision from self-preservation to a global mission. It states that Iran considers “independence, freedom, and the rule of justice and truth to be the right of all people of the world.” Consequently, while it “scrupulously refrains from interfering in the internal affairs of other nations,” the Constitution mandates Iran to “support the just struggles of themustad’afun(oppressed) against the mustakbirun(oppressors) in every corner of the globe.” The term mustad’afun is deliberately broad in the Constitution’s legislative history, encompassing not only Muslims but any people “reduced to weakness by others”.
Lessons from Iran’s Foreign Policy Doctrine
The Imperative of Independence and Resisting Hegemony: A central lesson Iran projects is the possibility and necessity of achieving national development without submitting to major powers. This stance is rooted in a belief that the Western-led international order is structurally designed to ensure the supremacy of a few and the subservience of the rest.
Nations that are under subjugation by the West can learn from the Iranian model of building a “resistance economy” that seeks to circumvent sanctions and reduce dependence on global financial networks dominated by the West.
Furthermore, Iran’s policy is not just about resisting external control; it also renounces the pursuit of dominance over others.
Protecting the Oppressed: Perhaps the most unique element is Iran’s constitutional duty to support the oppressed (mustad’afun). The framework distinguishes between “interference for the purpose of domination,” which is rejected, and “support for the righteous struggle of the oppressed,” which is a duty. For other nations, this presents a model where foreign policy is explicitly tied to a moral and religious obligation to support liberation movements and resist injustice.
The foreign policy articulated in Iran’s Constitution is a powerful and ideological document. It sets forth a vision of absolute national independence, a complete rejection of foreign domination, and a proactive duty to support oppressed people globally.
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